For urgent emergencies, call 911. · Independent homeowner service, not a contractor.
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New Orleans & nearby: Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Chalmette

Sewage Cleanup in New Orleans, Louisiana

A sewage backup in New Orleans is a contamination emergency and often a system question too. During extreme rain, the city's stressed drainage and sewer systems can contribute to backups, so keep people away from the wastewater, stop adding water to drains, and report suspected public-system problems to the Sewerage and Water Board.

Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX

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Homeowners can reach us here too about sewage cleanup in New Orleans. For immediate danger, call 911.

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Report system problems to SWBNO

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans operates the public sewer system. If you suspect a public-side problem, use their official contact channels and note the time, location and whether water is inside, outside or both. Do not open manholes or investigate yourself.

Separate the line question from the cleanup question

Who repairs the line and who cleans the room are different decisions. Ask the cleanup provider how they will disinfect and which porous materials must be removed, and ask separately who determines whether the blockage is on your lateral or the public side.

Issues to assess in New Orleans

  • ✓Wastewater coming up through a toilet, tub or floor drain
  • ✓Multiple fixtures backing up at once
  • ✓A backup coinciding with heavy rain or street flooding
  • ✓Contaminated water reaching flooring, rugs or belongings

Do this right now

  • ✓Keep everyone, including pets, out of the affected area.
  • ✓Stop using all toilets, sinks, washers and showers until the cause is found.
  • ✓Do not touch wastewater or walk through it to reach a breaker.
  • ✓Report suspected public sewer issues to the Sewerage and Water Board and arrange professional cleanup.

General safety

  • ✓Keep everyone, especially children and pets, out of the area.
  • ✓Stop using water, toilets and drains until the backup is resolved.
  • ✓Do not touch sewage without gloves, boots and eye protection.
  • ✓Shut off power to the area only if you can do so from a dry spot.

Report system problems while cleanup is assessed

If you suspect a public sewer problem in New Orleans, report it to the Sewerage and Water Board while arranging your own interior cleanup assessment. Keep people away from the wastewater, stop using fixtures, and ask the cleanup provider how disinfection and material removal will be verified.

Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans ↗

Questions before agreeing to repairs

  1. How will you determine whether the blockage is on my lateral or the public side?
  2. Which porous materials must be removed after sewage contact?
  3. How do you verify the area is disinfected before rebuilding?

Homeowners in New Orleans: reach a local provider now

Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX

USA Home Aid is a free homeowner service that puts homeowners in touch with local service providers. All contractors are independent and we do not guarantee work or license status.

Sewage Cleanup in New Orleans: FAQ

Who do I call about a sewer backup in New Orleans?+

For suspected public sewer problems, contact the Sewerage and Water Board through their official site linked below. For contaminated water inside your home, you also need a cleanup assessment. Call 911 for any immediate danger.

Can I clean a small sewage spill myself?+

Small spills on hard surfaces are sometimes manageable with protection, but sewage reaching carpet, drywall or under floors needs professional assessment. When in doubt, keep people away and ask.

Will the city pay for my interior cleanup?+

Do not assume so. Reporting a public-system problem and getting your home cleaned are separate tracks; ask your insurer and keep documentation.

Official New Orleans resources

Sources checked 2026-10-21. These are public-agency resources, not partners or endorsements. Current alerts, service instructions and restrictions can change.

Before wet-material cleanup

Electrical safety, documentation and drying decisions →

Sewage Cleanup guide

Full sewage cleanup emergency guide →

Other Louisiana cities

Related help in New Orleans

Sewage Cleanup in New Orleans? Call 24/7.

1-800-XXX-XXXX

How this works

You reach a local provider. Tell us what happened to your home and your call goes to an independent service provider in your area who may be available.

You choose who does the work. Any repair is quoted and billed by the provider you choose. Get a written estimate before work starts.

Calling is free. There is no cost to call and no obligation to hire anyone.

Tap to Call 24/7, 1-800-XXX-XXXX

Free to call · Independent contractors